Hospitality Heavyweights Debate Scotland’s Future

More than 160 people from across the food, drink and hospitality sectors attended the Institute of Hospitality (IOH) Scotland’s inaugural debate to discuss the influence that Scottish independence could have on the industry.

Under the banner ‘What independence would mean for the Scottish food, drink and hospitality sectors?’, the debate – exactly in advance of the Referendum – brought together industry professionals, MSPs, academics and students at the National Museum of Scotland, Edinburgh.

Chairing the Yes team, two-Michelin-star chef, Andrew Fairlie quoted renowned former US Senator Robert F. Kennedy when he laid down the case for independence: ‘Don’t look at things as they are and ask ‘why?’Look at things as they could be and ask why not?’

Meanwhile, Beppo Buchanan-Smith, proprietor of Isle of Eriska Hotel near Oban, stated the case for the Better Together campaign: ‘One year from today we will all have the opportunity to make a change and be certain that whether you vote yes or no, you have the opportunity to make your voice heard in what will be, in my opinion, the greatest decision constitutionally in my lifetime.’

The Buell Consultancy’s Fergus Chambers FIH moderated proceedings, and debate was supported by Freshwater Scotland and The Cook School Scotland. Audience members were asked both at the start and the end of proceedings to show their voting intentions. While the Yes Scotland team managed to double the number of votes following the debate, the Better Together team were judged to have triumphed overall, demonstrating- at this stage at least – strong support for the Union.

Ray Lorimer, chairman of IOH Scotland, who conceived and organised the event, commented: ‘The debate provided a much-needed platform from which to objectively address the key implications both for and against independence from a Scottish food, drink and tourism perspective.’

To watch the Tods Murray video from the debate, click here http://tinyurl.com/odxlab9

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Industry stalwards Andrew Fairlie and Beppo Buchanan-Smith (L-R, inset) joined opposing teams yesterday and went head to head in a debate about the future of Scotland’s hospitality industry…